Multi-volume flushing system

ABSTRACT

A multi-volume flushing system comprising a closable flushing water supply (7, 8), a user control (9) and a flushing process trigger (10) coupled to the user control (9), with which the flushing line (8) can be released or closed, wherein the flushing system further comprises at least one vibration detector (16) and central processor unit (12) arranged outside the water (3) of a collecting basin (4), wherein the flushing process trigger (10) can be activated on the basis of the vibrations detected by the vibration detector and evaluated by the central processor unit (12).

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a multi-volume flushing system, in particular for toilets.

PRIOR ART

From WO 2009/124866 a multi-volume flushing system toilet is known, in which the sound generated by the introduction of substances into the toilet is detected with a sound sensor arranged in the water of the collecting basin. A central processor unit evaluates the pressure fluctuations detected by the sound sensor and activates a flushing accordingly. The arrangement of the sound sensor in water has the disadvantage that the sound sensor or the sound guide arranged on the sound sensor tends to be contaminated. In addition, the location is unfavourable in terms of assembly and maintenance.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved multi-volume flushing system in which the above disadvantages are avoided.

This object is achieved by a multi-volume flushing system with the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the multi-volume flushing system, a multi-volume flushing system toilet, and a method for deciding the quantity of flushing water in a multi-volume flushing system are defined by the features of further claims.

A multi-volume flushing system according to the invention comprises a closable flushing water supply which can be connected to a toilet bowl, a user actuation and a flushing process trigger coupled to the user actuation, with which the flushing line can be released or closed. The multi-volume flushing system further comprises at least one vibration detector arranged outside the water of a collecting basin for the detection of vibrations caused by substances introduced into the toilet and a central processor unit with which the user actuation, the flushing process trigger and the vibration detector are electronically operatively connected, wherein a software activated on the central processor unit enables the central processor unit to evaluate the vibrations detected by the vibration detector in order to activate the flushing process trigger for triggering a flushing in accordance with the evaluation. This design has the advantage that the vibration detector is less susceptible to contamination and is much more accessible, which simplifies assembly and maintenance. If it is determined by evaluating the vibrations measured with the vibration detector that the substances introduced into the toilet are a liquid, the flushing process is actuated in such a way that the flushing line is released for a shorter time, as a result of which a smaller amount of flushing water is released. If it is determined that the substances introduced are solids, the flushing line is released for a longer time, as a result of which a larger quantity of flushing water is released. It is also possible to program the processor unit in such a way that a larger amount of flushing water can also be released when it is detected that a large amount of liquid has been introduced into the toilet. It is possible to program the software of the processor unit in such a way that the duration and/or intensity of the vibrations measured with the vibration detector result in predetermined amounts of flushing water. For example, two, three, four or more flushing water quantities can be pre-programmed. For example, the amount of water released in the case of recognized liquids can comprise one, two, three or more discrete values. Alternatively, the amount of flushing water can change continuously over a range. This also applies to the detection of introduced solids. In addition to the directly measured vibrations, parameters calculated from them, such as mean values, can also be used to determine the amount of flushing water. When recognizing liquids, it can be determined, for example, by the intensity of the measured vibration, whether the liquid is introduced into the toilet while standing or sitting. This determination can be used to provide the user with a corresponding note. It can also be seen from the measured signals whether the user is dispensing the liquid into or onto the toilet, for example onto the rim of the toilet. The user can then be given a corresponding visual or acoustic indication. The multi-volume flushing system according to the invention can be used together with wall-mounted or floor-mounted toilets. The use with a wall-mounted or floor-mounted urinal is also possible.

In one embodiment, the vibration detector is arranged on or at least partially in the flushing water supply. For example, it can be arranged on or at least partially in the flushing water reservoir or it can be arranged on or at least partially in the flushing line. With the arrangement on/in the flushing water reservoir, the vibration detector can be pre-assembled, whereby an assembly, resp. wiring or connecting on site falls away. If the flushing line can be preassembled with the reservoir, a preassembly of the detector is also possible when the vibration detector is arranged on/in the flushing line. This reduces the assembly effort on site.

In one embodiment, the vibration detector and/or the central processor unit are integrated in the flushing process trigger. This creates a compact unit that can be closed watertight, whereby the areas to be sealed are reduced.

In one embodiment, the central processor unit is connected to an electrical power supply, which is selected from a group comprising a power supply, a battery, an accumulator, a capacitor, a generator driven by the refilling of the flushing water reservoir and any combination of these elements. For example, permanently installed toilets can include a mains power supply and mobile toilets can include a wireless power supply.

In one embodiment, the user actuation is designed as a presence detector with a detector area, wherein the software activated in the central processor unit enables the central processor unit to activate the flushing process trigger for triggering a flushing if the user is in a first detector area or after the user has left a second detector area. For example, a flushing can be triggered when a user holds his hand in a first detector area that is located near the wall above the toilet. An optically recognizable marking can be provided in the corresponding wall area. Alternatively, a flushing can be triggered when the user leaves a second detector area that is above and/or in front of the toilet. In this way it can be recognized when a standing or seating user leaves the corresponding area. The flushing process can also be triggered with a time delay, i.e. if the user has left the detector area for a while, for example a few seconds. The flushing can thus take place when the user has already left the area of the toilet, for example the toilet compartment.

In one embodiment, the presence detector comprises the vibration detector. With this design, only one detector is required, which significantly reduces the complexity of the system. For example, the user actuation can comprise a touch surface which is to be touched for flushing. With the one detector, the substances introduced into the toilet can first be recognized and then the touch of the user actuation can be recognized.

In one embodiment, the user actuation is designed as a button, the software activated in the central processor unit enabling the central processor unit to activate the flushing process trigger to trigger a flushing as soon as the user presses the button. The button can be a movable or stationary button. The movable button can be moved by the user by pressing and the fixed button does not move when pressed. For example, a touch pad is a stationary button.

In one embodiment, the user actuation is designed as a presence detector with a detector area and the button can only be used to trigger a flushing. The presence detector, for example an infrared sensor or the like, can detect whether a user is in the area of the toilet and/or on the toilet. Alternatively, parts of the user, such as a hand, can be recognized in a certain area. For example, a hand can be recognized in an area in front of a corresponding wall marking. In the normal case, the toilet flushes automatically when a user is in the previously mentioned detector area or leaves it. If the automatic flushing does not provide the desired result, flushing can be triggered using the button.

In one embodiment, the central processor unit comprises an output for activating a fan. The fan can be activated when a user enters the toilet, has been in the toilet for a while, or has left or has left the toilet for a while. An additional control only for the fan is then omitted, which can save costs.

In one embodiment, the vibration detector is an acceleration sensor or a surface strain sensor DMS, for example an electrostatic, electrodynamic, electromagnetic, piezoelectric or piezoresistive vibration transducer. These sensors are inexpensive, reliable and have a long service life.

The above-mentioned embodiments of the multi-volume flushing system can be used in any combination, provided they do not contradict each other.

A multi-volume flushing system toilet according to the invention comprises a multi-volume flushing system as described above and a toilet bowl which is connected to the flushing water supply of the multi-volume flushing system.

In one embodiment, the vibration detector is arranged on or at least partially in the toilet bowl. This shortens the distance from the location of the sound generation to the sound-receiving vibration detector, which reduces the damping effects on the sound or vibration signal.

In one embodiment, the multi-volume flushing system toilet also comprises a drainpipe which is connected to the toilet bowl.

In one embodiment, the vibration detector is arranged on or at least partially in the drainpipe.

In one embodiment, the multi-volume flushing system toilet also comprises a vibration or sound generator, with which predetermined sound patterns can be generated. For example, a crack frog can be used to trigger a flushing and/or to start a fan.

The above-mentioned embodiments de multi-volume flushing system toilet can be used in any combination, provided they do not contradict each other.

A method according to the invention for deciding the amount of flushing water in a previously described multi-volume flushing system or a previously described multi-volume flushing system toilet comprises the steps of:

-   -   Detecting and conversing of the noise in the water of the         collecting basin into pressure fluctuation signals, which are         caused by substances introduced into the toilet, with the at         least one vibration detector;     -   Evaluating of the pressure fluctuation signals with the central         processor unit;     -   Determining a flushing volume based on the evaluated pressure         fluctuation signals with the central processor unit;     -   Triggering a flushing with the user actuation; and     -   Releasing the set flushing volume with the flushing process         trigger.

In one embodiment, the flushing volume is automatically selected by the central processor unit from a group which comprises a large, a medium and a small flushing volume, for example with a volume of 2 litres, 4 litres or 6 litres.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of:

-   -   Manually triggering of a flushing.

The mentioned embodiments of the method for deciding the amount of flushing water can be used in any combination, provided that they do not contradict each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to figures. These are for explanation only and should not be interpreted restrictively. It shows

FIG. 1 a multi-volume flushing system toilet according to the invention; and

FIG. 2 a schematic representation of a sound measurement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a multi-volume flushing system toilet 1 according to the invention, which comprises a multi-volume flushing system and a toilet bowl 2. The multi-volume flushing system comprises a closable flushing water supply 7, 8 with a flushing water reservoir 7 and a flushing line 8, the flushing line 8 connecting the flushing water reservoir 7 to the toilet bowl 2. The toilet bowl 2 comprises a collecting basin 4 and a siphon 5. A drainpipe 6 is connected to the toilet bowl 2, through which the dirty water can drain into the sewage system. Shown is a toilet bowl 2 mounted on a wall, in which the flushing line 8 and the drainpipe 6 are guided essentially horizontally from behind the wall to the toilet bowl 2. In the area of the flushing water reservoir 7, the flushing line 8 can be completely closed by a flushing process trigger 10. The amount of flushing water can be determined by the duration of the opening of the flushing process trigger. The opening time is determined in a central processor unit CPU 12. The duration of the opening is determined on the basis of vibrations, which can be detected with a vibration detector 16 and can be evaluated with the CPU 12. The CPU 12 is electrically operatively connected to the flushing trigger 10, the vibration detector 16 and a user control 9. The multi-volume flushing system or the CPU 12 is supplied with electrical energy via a power supply. By activating the user control 9, the flushing line 8 can be released by the flushing process trigger 10. The actuation can be done by touch or without contact. For example, a movable push button or a stationary pressure surface can be used as a user actuation 9 with touch. Contactless user actuations 9 can comprise a first area 90 close to the wall or a second area 91 close to the toilet bowl. The first area 90 is arranged near a corresponding marking on the wall. The marking is, for example, a sign with a label or a pictogram. The second area 91 is arranged above and/or in front of the toilet bowl 2. A fan 20 is arranged in the area of the multi-volume flushing system toilet 1.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a sound measurement as it can be visualized by means of an oscilloscope to which a vibration detector 16 can be connected. It is immediately apparent that a liquid 21 causes a signal sequence with a low amplitude and that a solid 22 triggers an individual signal with a much higher amplitude. The introduction of liquids 21 can thus be clearly distinguished from the introduction of solids 22 into the collecting basin 4 of a toilet bowl 2. This is also the case even if the respective total volume is identical.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

1 Multi-volume flushing system toilet 2 Toilet bowl 3 Water 4 Collecting basin 5 Siphon 6 Drainpipe 7 Flushing water reservoir 8 Flushing line 9 User actuation 10 Flushing process trigger 12 CPU 16 Vibration detector 20 Fan 21 Liquid 22 Solid 90 first area 91 second area 

1: A multi-volume flushing system comprising: a closable flushing water supply (7, 8) which can be connected to a toilet bowl (2); a user actuation (9); and a flushing process trigger (10) coupled to the user actuation (9), with which the flushing line (8) can be released or closed; characterized in that the multi-volume flushing system further comprising: at least one vibration detector (16) arranged outside the water (3) of a collecting basin (4) for detecting vibrations which are caused by substances introduced into the toilet; and a central processor unit (12), with which the user actuation (9), the flushing process trigger (10) and the vibration detector (16) are electronically operatively connected, wherein a software activated in the central processor unit (12) enabling the central processor unit (12), to evaluate the vibrations detected by the vibration detector (16) in order to activate the flushing process trigger (10) to trigger a flushing on the basis of the evaluation. 2: The multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1, wherein the vibration detector (16) is arranged on or at least partially in the flushing water supply (7, 8). 3: The multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1, wherein the vibration detector (16) and/or the central processor unit (12) are integrated in the flushing process trigger (10). 4: The multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1, wherein the flushing water supply (7, 8) comprises a flushing water reservoir (7) and/or a flushing line (8). 5: The multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1, wherein the central processor unit (12) is connected to an electrical power supply, which is selected from a group comprising a network, a battery, an accumulator, a capacitor, a generator powered by the refilling of the flushing water reservoir (7) and any combination of these elements. 6: The multi-volume flushing system claim 1, wherein the user actuation (9) is designed as a presence detector with a detector area (90, 91), wherein the software activated in the central processor unit (12) enabling the central processor unit (12) to activate the flushing process trigger (10) to trigger a flushing if the user is in a first detector area (90) or after the user has left a second detector area (91). 7: The multi-volume flushing system according to claim 6, wherein the presence detector comprises the vibration detector (16). 8: The multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1, wherein the user actuation (9) is designed as a button, wherein the software activated in the central processor unit (12) enabling the central processor unit (12) to activate the flushing process trigger (10) to trigger a flushing activates as soon as the user presses the button. 9: The multi-volume flushing system according to claim 6, wherein the user control (9) is designed as a presence detector with a detector area and the button can only be used to trigger a post-flushing. 10: The multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1, wherein the central processor unit (12) comprises an output for activating a fan (20). 11: The multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1, wherein the vibration detector (16) is an acceleration sensor or a surface strain sensor DMS, for example an electrostatic, electrodynamic, electromagnetic, piezoelectric or piezoresistive vibration transducer. 12: A multi-volume flushing system toilet (1) comprising: a multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1; and a toilet bowl (2) which is connected to the flushing water supply (7, 8). 13: The multi-volume flushing system toilet (1) according to claim 12, wherein the vibration detector (16) is arranged on or at least partially in the toilet bowl (2). 14: The multi-volume flushing system toilet (1) according to claim 12, further comprising: a drainpipe (6) which is connected to the toilet bowl (2). 15: The multi-volume flushing system toilet (1) according to claim 14, wherein the vibration detector (16) is arranged on or at least partially in the drainpipe (6). 16: The multi-volume flushing system toilet (1) according to claim 12, further comprising: a vibration or sound generator with which predetermined sound patterns can be generated. 17: A method for deciding the amount of flushing water in a multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1 or a multi-volume flushing system toilet (1), comprising the steps: detecting and conversing into pressure fluctuation signals of the noises in the water (3) of the collecting basin (4), which are caused by substances introduced into the toilet, with the at least one vibration detector (16); evaluating the pressure fluctuation signals with the central processor unit (12); determining a flush volume based on the evaluated pressure fluctuation signals with the central processor unit (12); triggering a flushing with the user actuation (9); and releasing the specified flushing volume with the flushing process trigger (10). 18: The method according to claim 17, wherein the flushing volume is automatically selected by the central processor unit (12) from a group comprising a large, a medium and a small flushing volume, for example with a volume of 2 litres, 4 litres or 6 litres. 19: The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step: manual triggering of a flushing. 